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What are the 3 salivary glands and their functions?

What are the 3 salivary glands and their functions?

Most animals have three major pairs of salivary glands that differ in the type of secretion they produce:

  • parotid glands produce a serous, watery secretion.
  • submaxillary (mandibular) glands produce a mixed serous and mucous secretion.
  • sublingual glands secrete a saliva that is predominantly mucous in character.

What are the 4 major salivary glands?

The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The parotid glands are located in front and beneath the ear. A duct, called Stensen’s duct, drains saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth, at the area of the upper cheeks.

What is the role of the parotid submandibular and sublingual glands in the digestive process?

After you take your first bite of pie, your salivary glands produce saliva — a mixture of secretions that help lubricate and break down food. Besides having salivary glands in the lining of your mouth, you have three pairs of larger salivary glands — the parotid, sublingual and submandibular glands.

Is sublingual a salivary gland?

The sublingual glands are the smallest of the major salivary glands. These almond-shaped structures are located under the floor of the mouth and below either side of the tongue.

Why are my parotid glands swollen?

Infections. Viral infections such as mumps, flu, and others can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Swelling happens in parotid glands on both sides of the face, giving the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks.” Salivary gland swelling is commonly associated with mumps, happening in about 30% to 40% of mumps infections.

Why are my sublingual glands swollen?

The most common cause of swollen salivary glands, salivary stones are buildups of crystallized saliva deposits. Sometimes salivary stones can block the flow of saliva. When saliva can’t exit through the ducts, it backs up into the gland, causing pain and swelling.

What is parotid gland?

The parotid glands are two salivary glands that sit just in front of the ears on each side of the face. Salivary glands produce saliva to aid in chewing and digesting food. There are many salivary glands in the lips, cheeks, mouth and throat.

What are sublingual glands?

What is the function of the parotid glands?

The function of the parotid gland and other two major salivary glands is to produce and secrete saliva, a substance that helps break food down so you can digest it properly. Saliva also helps to defend against bacteria and prevent cavities. 1 

What causes pain in the submandibular gland area?

Certain activities may trigger painful episodes, including: Drinking cold liquids Chewing Swallowing Sneezing or coughing Clearing the throat Touching the gums

How to treat swollen sublingual glands?

Practicing good oral hygiene. Among various types of salivary glands,the sublingual salivary glands are located in the floor of the mouth,so that proper hygiene practices are essential to

  • Getting rid of infesting bacteria.
  • Applying warm compresses to the affected glands.
  • Unclogging blocked sublingual salivary ducts.

    • What does the submandibular gland do?

    The submandibular glands are a pair of salivary glands located in the bottom of the mouth, on each side of the lower jaw. The primary function of the submandibular glands is to control the release saliva into the area of the mouth that is located just under the tongue.